Living history returns to Grand Canyon: ‘Echoes from the Canyon’

Colorado River in the Grand Canyon at night | Photo by NPS.gov, St. George News

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — “Echoes from the Canyon,” Grand Canyon National Park’s popular living history program, returns for the fourth year in a row, with opening night Saturday, 8:30 p.m. at the outdoor McKee Amphitheater on the South Rim. Park rangers, in character as historic Grand Canyon figures, will take the stage for three Saturday performances in place of the evening ranger programs at the amphitheater.

“By reflecting on those who have come to Grand Canyon before us and their relationship with this landscape,” park ranger and event director Jill Staurowsky said, “we can better understand our role in advocating for park preservation now and in the future.”

Encore presentations will be presented Aug. 8 and 22, both at 8 p.m. at the amphitheater. The event is free and open to the public.

The presentation will feature notable figures from Grand Canyon’s past, including explorer John Wesley Powell, architect Mary Colter, naturalist Polly Mead and army lieutenant Joseph Ives. Ives infamously said of the Grand Canyon region, “After entering it, there is nothing to do but leave.”

Park rangers encourage visitors to stay for this exciting presentation and learn about some of the pioneers that helped shape Grand Canyon, making it the national park it is today.